JP2008052476A - Print setting information providing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a print setting information providing system for efficiently acquiring print setting according to various purposes. <P>SOLUTION: A server 100 inputs the sections of a user, a printer 300 and print items, and when the sections of the user or printer 300 are input, print setting information is grouped for each of the content of the object, and when the sections of the print items are input, the print setting information is grouped for each of print items, and the list of the grouped print setting information is presented, and any selection is input from among the presented list, and the selected print setting information is presented to a host terminal 200. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a system, a program, and a method for providing print setting information, and more particularly, to a print setting information providing system capable of efficiently acquiring print settings according to various purposes.

Conventionally, as techniques for supporting selection of print settings, for example, techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known.
The technique described in Patent Document 1 stores a set of user IDs and function settings and a frequency of specifying the settings in a printer device, and the printer device stores functions corresponding to the user ID specified when using the printer device. Among the settings, a setting with a high specification frequency is returned to the host computer, and the host computer instructs the printing process with the function setting as a default.

In the technique described in Patent Document 2, for each user who uses the data processing apparatus, a set of various setting values related to printing and a name indicating the set are associated and registered in a setting registration file. On the setting screen, corresponding to the user, a registered name indicating a set of setting values registered for each user is selectably displayed, and one of the registered names displayed on the setting screen by the user is displayed. When one is selected, predetermined processing for printing is performed on the data to be printed in accordance with various setting values included in the set corresponding to the registered name.
JP 2006-92287 A JP 2002-73304 A

  According to the technique described in Patent Literature 1, since the print history for each user is stored in the printer, the user's own print settings can be used even when the printer network address is changed or the user changes the client. Can do. Patent Document 2 discloses a method for storing print settings associated with a user. Therefore, when the techniques of Patent Documents 1 and 2 are combined, it is possible to manage print settings for each user and use the print settings of the user and other users.

However, when using print settings, not only when using print settings for each user, but also when using print settings for each printer in a network system with multiple printers connected, paper size and duplex printing When using print settings for each print item, etc., when using print settings according to other purposes, or when using print settings according to a combination of them, it is possible to use only a fixed value. If the print settings are classified according to the above system, the print settings cannot be efficiently acquired according to the purpose.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made paying attention to such an unsolved problem of the conventional technology, and provides print setting information that can efficiently acquire print settings according to various purposes. The purpose is to provide a system.

[Mode 1] In order to achieve the above object, a print setting information providing system according to mode 1 includes:
A print setting information providing system that provides print setting information including print settings of any one of a plurality of print items,
Print setting information storage means for storing the print setting information in association with the first target information related to the first target and the second target information related to the second target, and classification of the first target, the second target, and the print item And when the classification input means inputs the classification of the first target or the second target, the classification input means inputs the classification of the print item for each content of the target. Grouping means for grouping the print setting information in the print setting information storage means for each print item, list presenting means for presenting a list of print setting information grouped by the grouping means, Print setting information selection means for inputting one of selections from the list presented by the list presentation means, and print setting information selected by the print setting information selection means are provided. Characterized in that it comprises a print setting information providing means for.

  With such a configuration, when the classification of the first target or the second target is input by the classification input unit, the print setting of the print setting information storage unit is performed for each content of the input target by the grouping unit. Information is grouped. When the classification of the print items is input by the classification input unit, the print setting information in the print setting information storage unit is grouped for each print item by the grouping unit. Next, a list of grouped print setting information is presented by the list presenting means. When the print setting information selection unit inputs one of the selections from the presented list, the print setting information providing unit provides the selected print setting information.

Thus, when the first target, the second target, and the print item are classified, the print setting information is presented in a group according to the purpose, so that necessary print setting information can be easily found. Therefore, it is possible to obtain an effect that print settings can be efficiently acquired according to various purposes as compared with the conventional case.
Here, the print setting information storage means stores the print setting information by any means and at any time, and may store the print setting information in advance or store the print setting information in advance. Instead, the print setting information may be stored by external input or the like during operation of the system.

  Further, the present system may be realized as a single device, terminal, or other device, or may be realized as a network system in which a plurality of devices, terminals, or other devices are communicably connected. In the latter case, each component may belong to any one of a plurality of devices and the like as long as they are connected so as to communicate with each other.

[Mode 2] Furthermore, the print setting information providing system of mode 2 is the same as the print setting information providing system of mode 1,
Further, presentation priority condition input means for inputting the presentation priority condition of the print setting information, and evaluation according to the presentation priority condition input by the presentation priority condition input means for each print setting information of the print setting information storage means And an evaluation means for performing
The grouping means groups the print setting information so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation result of the evaluation means.

With such a configuration, when the presentation priority condition of the print setting information is input by the presentation priority condition input unit, the presentation priority input for each print setting information in the print setting information storage unit by the evaluation unit Evaluation according to conditions is performed. Then, the print setting information is grouped by the grouping unit so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation result.
As a result, when the presentation priority condition is input, the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation result corresponding to the presentation priority condition, so that the necessary print setting information can be found more easily. .

Here, as the presentation priority conditions, for example, the print priority information with a high evaluation regarding the environmental load should be preferentially presented, and the print setting information with a high evaluation regarding the quality of the print result (including the resolution). Clean priority conditions that should be preferentially presented, print priority information that is highly evaluated with respect to printing costs, cost priority conditions that are to be preferentially presented, and print preference information that is highly evaluated with respect to printing speeds that are to be preferentially presented Conditions are included. The same applies to the print setting information providing system of form 4, the print setting information providing program of forms 8 and 10, and the print setting information providing method of forms 14 and 16.
The print setting information can be evaluated by calculating an evaluation value or obtaining the evaluation value from a storage unit or the like. The same applies to the print setting information providing program according to form 8 and the print setting information providing method according to form 14.

[Mode 3] Furthermore, the print setting information providing system of mode 3 is the same as the print setting information providing system of mode 2,
Furthermore, the apparatus includes an evaluation standard information storage unit that stores evaluation standard information indicating an evaluation standard of the print setting information in association with the presentation priority condition,
The evaluation unit acquires the evaluation criterion information corresponding to the presentation priority condition input by the presentation priority condition input unit from the evaluation criterion information storage unit, and acquires for each print setting information of the print setting information storage unit And calculating the evaluation value based on the evaluation standard information and the print setting information,
The grouping means groups the print setting information so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of evaluation values calculated by the evaluation means.

  With such a configuration, the evaluation unit acquires the evaluation reference information corresponding to the input presentation priority condition from the evaluation reference information storage unit, and acquires the print setting information for each print setting information in the print setting information storage unit. An evaluation value is calculated based on the evaluation standard information and the print setting information. Then, the print setting information is grouped by the grouping means so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation value.

Thereby, since the evaluation value is calculated based on the evaluation reference information and the print setting information, an effect that a more appropriate evaluation result can be obtained is obtained.
Here, the evaluation criterion information storage means stores the evaluation criterion information at any time and at any time. The evaluation criterion information may be stored in advance, or the evaluation criterion information may be stored in advance. Instead, the evaluation criterion information may be stored by an external input or the like during operation of the system.

[Form 4] Furthermore, the print setting information providing system of form 4 is the print setting information providing system of form 1,
Furthermore, a presentation priority condition input means for inputting a presentation priority condition of the print setting information is provided,
The print setting information storage means further stores the print setting information in association with an evaluation value according to the presentation priority condition,
The grouping unit acquires the evaluation value corresponding to the presentation priority condition input by the presentation priority condition input unit from the print setting information storage unit, and the print setting information is presented in descending order of the acquired evaluation value. As described above, the print setting information is grouped.

With such a configuration, when the presentation priority condition of the print setting information is input by the presentation priority condition input unit, the evaluation value corresponding to the input presentation priority condition is output by the grouping unit to the print setting information storage unit. The print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the acquired evaluation value.
As a result, when the presentation priority condition is input, the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation value according to the presentation priority condition, so that it is possible to more easily find the necessary print setting information. .

[Form 5] Further, the print setting information providing system of form 5 is the print setting information providing system of form 4,
Further, evaluation value input means for inputting an evaluation value for the print result, and the print setting information storage corresponding to the presentation priority condition input by the presentation priority condition input means based on the evaluation value input by the evaluation value input means Evaluation value updating means for updating the evaluation value of the means.

With such a configuration, when an evaluation value for the print result is input by the evaluation value input unit, printing corresponding to the input presentation priority condition is performed based on the evaluation value input by the evaluation value update unit. The evaluation value of the setting information storage means is updated.
Thereby, since the evaluation value of the print setting information storage unit is updated based on the evaluation value for the print result, an effect that the evaluation result according to the actual situation of the user can be obtained is obtained.

[Mode 6] Furthermore, the print setting information providing system of mode 6 is the print setting information providing system of any one of modes 1 to 5,
The first object is a user or a host terminal, and the second object is a printing apparatus.
In such a configuration, when the classification of the user, the host terminal, or the printing apparatus is input by the classification input unit, the print setting is performed for each content of the user, the host terminal, or the printing apparatus that is input by the grouping unit. The print setting information in the information storage means is grouped.

[Mode 7] On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, a print setting information providing program according to mode 7
A print setting information providing program that provides print setting information including print settings of any one of a plurality of print items,
A classification input step for inputting the classification of the first object, the second object, and the print item, and when the classification of the first object or the second object is input in the classification input step, for each content of the object, When the category of the print item is input in the category input step, the print setting information is associated with the first target information regarding the first target and the second target information regarding the second target for each print item. A grouping step for grouping print setting information in the print setting information storage means for storing, a list presenting step for presenting a list of print setting information grouped in the grouping step, and a list presented in the list presenting step A print setting information selection step for inputting any of the selections made from the above, and the print setting selected in the print setting information selection step Characterized in that it comprises a program for executing a process comprising a print setting information providing step of providing a multi-address to the computer.

  With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing in accordance with the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting information providing system of mode 1 can be obtained.

[Mode 8] Further, the print setting information providing program of mode 8 is the print setting information providing program of mode 7,
Further, a presentation priority condition input step for inputting a presentation priority condition for the print setting information, and an evaluation corresponding to the presentation priority condition input in the presentation priority condition input step for each print setting information in the print setting information storage means Including a program for causing a computer to execute a process including an evaluation step for performing
In the grouping step, the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation result in the evaluation step.
With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing according to the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting information providing system according to mode 2 can be obtained.

[Mode 9] Furthermore, the print setting information providing program according to mode 9 is the print setting information providing program according to mode 8,
The evaluation step corresponds to the presentation priority condition input in the presentation priority condition input step from the evaluation criterion information storage means for storing evaluation criterion information indicating the evaluation criterion of the print setting information in association with the presentation priority condition. Obtaining the evaluation criteria information, for each print setting information of the print setting information storage means, calculating the evaluation value based on the obtained evaluation criteria information and the print setting information,
In the grouping step, the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation value calculated in the evaluation step.
With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing according to the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting information providing system according to mode 3 can be obtained.

[Mode 10] Further, the print setting information providing program of mode 10 is the print setting information providing program of mode 7,
Furthermore, a program for causing a computer to execute a process including a presentation priority condition input step for inputting a presentation priority condition of the print setting information,
The print setting information storage means further stores the print setting information in association with an evaluation value according to the presentation priority condition,
In the grouping step, the evaluation value corresponding to the presentation priority condition input in the presentation priority condition input step is acquired from the print setting information storage unit, and the print setting information is presented in descending order of the acquired evaluation value. As described above, the print setting information is grouped.
With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing in accordance with the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting information providing system according to mode 4 can be obtained.

[Form 11] Furthermore, the print setting information providing program of form 11 is the print setting information providing program of form 10,
Further, an evaluation value input step for inputting an evaluation value for a print result, and the print setting information storage corresponding to the presentation priority condition input in the presentation priority condition input step based on the evaluation value input in the evaluation value input step A program for causing a computer to execute processing including an evaluation value update step for updating the evaluation value of the means is included.
With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing in accordance with the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting information providing system of mode 5 can be obtained.

[Mode 12] Further, the print setting information providing program according to mode 12 is the print setting information providing program according to any one of modes 7 to 11,
The first object is a user or a host terminal, and the second object is a printing apparatus.
With such a configuration, when the program is read by the computer and the computer executes processing in accordance with the read program, the same operation and effect as those of the print setting information providing system of mode 6 can be obtained.

[Mode 13] On the other hand, in order to achieve the above object, the print setting information providing method according to mode 13 includes:
A print setting information providing method for providing print setting information including print settings of any one of a plurality of print items,
A classification input step for inputting the classification of the first object, the second object, and the print item, and when the classification of the first object or the second object is input in the classification input step, for each content of the object, When the category of the print item is input in the category input step, the print setting information is associated with the first target information regarding the first target and the second target information regarding the second target for each print item. A grouping step for grouping print setting information in the print setting information storage means for storing, a list presenting step for presenting a list of print setting information grouped in the grouping step, and a list presented in the list presenting step A print setting information selection step for inputting any of the selections made from the above, and the print setting selected in the print setting information selection step Characterized in that it comprises a print setting information providing step of providing a broadcast.
Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the print setting information providing system according to mode 1 can be obtained.

[Form 14] Furthermore, the print setting information providing method of form 14 is the same as the print setting information providing method of form 13,
Further, a presentation priority condition input step for inputting a presentation priority condition for the print setting information, and an evaluation corresponding to the presentation priority condition input in the presentation priority condition input step for each print setting information in the print setting information storage means Including an evaluation step,
In the grouping step, the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation result in the evaluation step.
Thereby, the same effect as that of the print setting information providing system according to mode 2 can be obtained.

[Form 15] Furthermore, the print setting information providing method of form 15 is the same as the print setting information providing method of form 14,
The evaluation step corresponds to the presentation priority condition input in the presentation priority condition input step from the evaluation criterion information storage means for storing evaluation criterion information indicating the evaluation criterion of the print setting information in association with the presentation priority condition. Obtaining the evaluation criteria information, for each print setting information of the print setting information storage means, calculating the evaluation value based on the obtained evaluation criteria information and the print setting information,
In the grouping step, the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation value calculated in the evaluation step.
Thereby, the same effect as that of the print setting information providing system according to mode 3 can be obtained.

[Mode 16] Furthermore, the print setting information providing method of mode 16 is the same as the print setting information providing method of mode 13,
And a presentation priority condition input step of inputting a presentation priority condition of the print setting information,
The print setting information storage means further stores the print setting information in association with an evaluation value according to the presentation priority condition,
In the grouping step, the evaluation value corresponding to the presentation priority condition input in the presentation priority condition input step is acquired from the print setting information storage unit, and the print setting information is presented in descending order of the acquired evaluation value. As described above, the print setting information is grouped.
Thereby, the same effect as that of the print setting information providing system according to mode 4 can be obtained.

[Mode 17] Furthermore, the print setting information providing method of mode 17 is the same as the print setting information providing method of mode 16,
Further, an evaluation value input step for inputting an evaluation value for a print result, and the print setting information storage corresponding to the presentation priority condition input in the presentation priority condition input step based on the evaluation value input in the evaluation value input step And an evaluation value updating step for updating the evaluation value of the means.
Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the print setting information providing system according to mode 5 can be obtained.

[Form 18] Furthermore, the print setting information providing method of form 18 is the print setting information providing method of any one of forms 13 to 17,
The first object is a user or a host terminal, and the second object is a printing apparatus.
Thereby, an effect equivalent to that of the print setting information providing system according to mode 6 can be obtained.

Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 10 are diagrams showing a first embodiment of a print setting information providing system according to the present invention.
First, an outline of functions of a network system to which the present invention is applied will be described.

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of a network system.
As shown in FIG. 1, a server 100 that provides print setting information, a plurality of host terminals 200, and a plurality of printers 300 are connected to the network 199.
The server 100 associates the user ID for identifying the user of the host terminal 200 and the printer ID for identifying the printer 300 with print setting information including the print settings of any one of the plurality of print items. A print setting information storage unit 10 to be stored and a category input unit 12 for inputting a category of users, printers 300, and print items (hereinafter collectively referred to as grouping categories) are configured.

Further, the server 100 further outputs the classification of the user or the printer 300 by the classification input unit 12 for each target content, and for each print item when the classification of the print item is input by the classification input unit 12. A grouping unit 14 for grouping print setting information in the print setting information storage unit 10, and a list presentation unit 16 for presenting a list of print setting information grouped by the grouping unit 14 to the host terminal 200. It is configured.
The server 100 further receives a print setting information selection unit 18 for inputting any selection made from the list presented by the list presentation unit 16, and the print setting information selected by the print setting information selection unit 18 as a host terminal. 200 and a print setting information providing unit 20 provided to 200.

Next, the configuration of the server 100 will be described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the server 100.
As shown in FIG. 2, the server 100 includes a CPU 50 that controls operations and the entire system based on a control program, a ROM 52 that stores a control program for the CPU 50 in a predetermined area, data read from the ROM 52, A RAM 54 for storing calculation results necessary in the calculation process of the CPU 50 and an I / F 58 for mediating input / output of data to / from an external device are configured. These are signal lines for transferring data. Are connected to each other and to be able to exchange data.

  The I / F 58 includes, as external devices, an input device 60 such as a keyboard and a mouse that can input data as a human interface, a storage device 62 that stores data, tables, and the like as files, and a screen based on image signals. Is connected to a signal line for connecting to the network 199.

Next, the data structure of the storage device 62 will be described.
The storage device 62 is configured as the print setting information storage unit 10 and stores a print setting information table 400 in which print setting information is registered.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the data structure of the print setting information table 400.
In the print setting information table 400, as shown in FIG. 3, one record is registered for each print setting information. Each record includes fields for registering a print setting ID for identifying print setting information, a user ID, a printer ID, a paper size, double-sided printing, imposition, a supply device, and other print settings. . Here, the paper size, double-sided printing, imposition, paper feed device, and other print settings constitute print setting information.

Next, processing executed by the CPU 50 will be described.
The CPU 50 includes a microprocessing unit (MPU) or the like, starts a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 52, and executes print setting information provision processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4 according to the program.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing print setting information provision processing.
The print setting information providing process is a process for providing print setting information to the host terminal 200 in response to a provision request from the host terminal 200. When the CPU 50 executes the print setting information, first, as shown in FIG. Migrate to
In step S100, it is determined whether a print setting information provision request has been received. If it is determined that a provision request has been received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S102, but if it is not, (No). Waits in step S100 until a provision request is received.

In step S102, the grouping section is received, and the process proceeds to step S104 to execute a grouping process for grouping print setting information.
In the grouping process, when the user classification is received, the print setting information is grouped for each user based on the print setting information table 400. When the classification of the printer 300 is received, the print setting information is grouped for each printer 300 based on the print setting information table 400. When the print item classification is received, the print setting information is grouped for each print item based on the print setting information table 400.

  Next, the process proceeds to step S106, the grouped print setting information list is transmitted to the host terminal 200, the process proceeds to step S108, and any selection made from the list is received, and the process proceeds to step S110. Then, the selected print setting information is transmitted to the host terminal 200, a series of processing is terminated, and the original processing is restored.

Next, the configuration of the host terminal 200 will be described.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of the host terminal 200.
As shown in FIG. 5, the host terminal 200 is configured by connecting a CPU 70, a ROM 72, a RAM 74, and an I / F 78 to each other via a bus 59 so that data can be exchanged. Signal lines to the input device 80, the storage device 82, the display device 84, and the network 199 are connected to the I / F 78 as external devices.
The CPU 70 activates a predetermined program stored in a predetermined area of the ROM 72, and executes the print request process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 6 according to the program.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the print request process.
The print request process is a process for requesting printing to the printer 300. When the print request process is executed in the CPU 70, first, as shown in FIG.
In step S200, it is determined whether printing is requested from a document creation application or the like. When it is determined that printing is requested (Yes), the process proceeds to step S202, but when it is determined that printing is not required (No). The process waits in step S200 until printing is requested.

  In step S202, a grouping category input screen for inputting the grouping category is displayed on the display device 84, the process proceeds to step S204, the grouping category is input from the input device 80, and the process proceeds to step S206. The provision request is transmitted to the server 100, the process proceeds to step S208, the input grouping division is transmitted to the server 100, and the process proceeds to step S210.

  In step S210, a list of print setting information is received, the process proceeds to step S212, and a list screen for presenting the received list of print setting information hierarchically according to the group structure is displayed on the display device 84. The process proceeds to step S214, and any selection made from the print setting information on the list screen is input from the input device 80. The process proceeds to step S216, and the selected print setting information is transmitted to the server 100. Then, the process proceeds to step S218.

  In step S218, print setting information is received, the process proceeds to step S220, and document data is acquired from a document creation application or the like. The process proceeds to step S222, and printing is performed based on the received print setting information and the acquired document data. Data is generated, the process proceeds to step S224, and the generated print data is transmitted to the printer 300 together with the print request, and a series of processing is terminated and the original processing is restored.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
First, a case where print setting information is grouped for each user will be described.
The user requests printing at the host terminal 200.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a grouping division input screen.
In the host terminal 200, when printing is requested, a grouping division input screen is displayed through step S202 as shown in FIG. In the grouping category input screen of FIG. 7, the grouping category can be selectively input by using buttons “by user”, “by printer”, and “by print item”. Here, the user clicks a “by user” button to select a user category.

In the host terminal 200, when the user category is input on the grouping category input screen, the provision request and the input user category are transmitted to the server 100 through steps S206 and S208.
Upon receiving the provision request, the server 100 receives user classifications through steps S102 to S106, print setting information is grouped for each user, and a list of the grouped print setting information is sent to the host terminal 200. Sent.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a list of print setting information grouped for each user.
Upon receiving the list of print setting information, the host terminal 200 displays a list screen for presenting the received list of print setting information through step S212 as shown in FIG. In the list screen of FIG. 8, the print setting information is grouped for each user. For example, when “User 2” is selected, the print setting information of the printers A and B set by the user 2 is displayed in the lower hierarchy. The The user can search for desired print setting information for the purpose of the user by tracing the tree of the list screen in this manner. When the desired print setting information is found, the print setting information is finally selected.

In the host terminal 200, when selection of print setting information is input on the list screen, the input selection of print setting information is transmitted to the server 100 through step S216.
When the server 100 receives the selection of the print setting information, the selected print setting information is transmitted to the host terminal 200 through step S110.
When the host terminal 200 receives the print setting information, the document data is acquired through step S220, print data is generated based on the received print setting information and the acquired document data, and the generated print data is transmitted to the printer. 300.
In the printer 300, when print data is received, printing is performed by a printer engine (not shown) based on the received print data.

Next, a case where print setting information is grouped for each printer 300 will be described.
The user clicks the “by printer” button on the grouping category input screen of FIG. 7 and selects the category of the printer 300.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a list of print setting information grouped for each printer 300.

  When the classification of the printer 300 is input on the grouping classification input screen, the print setting information is grouped for each printer 300 by the server 100, and the host terminal 200 performs grouping for each printer 300 as shown in FIG. A list screen showing a list of converted print setting information is displayed. In the list screen of FIG. 9, for example, when “printer A” is selected, the print setting information set by the users 1 to 3 for printer A is displayed in the lower hierarchy. The user can search for desired print setting information for the purpose of the printer 300 by following the tree of the list screen hierarchically.

Next, a case where print setting information is grouped for each print item will be described.
The user clicks the “by print item” button on the grouping category input screen of FIG. 7 and selects the category of the print item.
FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a list of print setting information grouped for each print item.
When the print item classification is input on the grouping classification input screen, the print setting information is grouped for each print item by the server 100, and the host terminal 200 performs grouping for each print item as shown in FIG. A list screen showing a list of converted print setting information is displayed. In the list screen of FIG. 10, for example, when “paper size print setting” is selected, print setting information regarding each paper size is displayed in the lower hierarchy, and for example, when “paper size A3” is selected, paper size A3 is displayed. The print setting information set by the users 1 to 3 is displayed in the lower hierarchy. Thus, the user can search for desired print setting information for the purpose of the print item by following the tree of the list screen hierarchically.

  In this way, in this embodiment, the user, the printer 300, and the print item classification are input, and when the user or the printer 300 classification is input, the print item classification is input for each target content. When printing items are grouped for each print item, a list of the grouped print setting information is presented, one of the selections made from the presented list is input, and the selected print setting information is displayed. Is provided to the host terminal 200.

Accordingly, when the user, the printer 300, and the print items are classified, the print setting information is presented in a group according to the purpose, so that necessary print setting information can be easily found. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently obtain print settings according to various purposes as compared with the conventional case.
Further, when a newly added user uses this system, the desired print setting can be used from the print settings of the existing user without registering troublesome print settings by himself / herself. The same applies when a new printer 300 or a new print item is added.

In the first embodiment, the user corresponds to the first target of form 1, 6, 7, 12, 13 or 18, and the user ID corresponds to the first target information of form 1, 7 or 13. The printer 300 corresponds to the second target of the form 1, 6, 7, 12, 13 or 18, and the printer ID corresponds to the second target information of the form 1, 7 or 13. In addition, the print setting information storage unit 10 and the storage device 62 correspond to the print setting information storage unit in the form 1, 7 or 13, and the classification input unit 12 and step S102 correspond to the classification input unit in the form 1. S102 corresponds to the section input step of form 7 or 13.

In the first embodiment, the grouping unit 14 and step S104 correspond to the grouping means of form 1, and step S104 corresponds to the grouping step of form 7 or 13, and the list presentation unit 16 And step S106 corresponds to the list presenting means of form 1. Step S106 corresponds to the list presentation step of form 7 or 13, print setting information selection unit 18 and step S108 correspond to the print setting information selection means of form 1, and step S108 corresponds to form 7 or 13. This corresponds to the print setting information selection step.
In the first embodiment, the print setting information providing unit 20 and step S110 correspond to the print setting information providing unit of form 1, and step S110 corresponds to the print setting information providing step of form 7 or 13. is doing.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 11 to 17 are diagrams showing a second embodiment of the print setting information providing system according to the present invention.
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that grouping is performed based on an evaluation value of print setting information. Hereinafter, only the parts different from the first embodiment will be described, and the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, an outline of functions of a network system to which the present invention is applied will be described.
FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of the network system.
As shown in FIG. 11, the server 100 includes a print setting information storage unit 10, a classification input unit 12, a grouping unit 14, a list presentation unit 16, a print setting information selection unit 18, a print setting information providing unit 20, and a print The evaluation reference information storage unit 22 stores evaluation reference information indicating the evaluation reference of the setting information in association with the presentation priority condition of the print setting information. As the presentation priority condition, for example, the print priority information with a high evaluation value regarding the environmental load should be preferentially presented, and the print setting information with a high evaluation value regarding the quality of the print result (including the resolution) is preferable. Clean priority conditions that should be preferentially presented, print priority information that has a high evaluation value related to printing costs, cost priority conditions that should be preferentially presented, and speed that should preferentially present print setting information that has a high evaluation value related to printing speed A priority condition is included.

The server 100 further provides a presentation priority condition input unit 24 for inputting presentation priority conditions, and an evaluation according to the presentation priority conditions input by the presentation priority condition input unit 24 for each print setting information in the print setting information storage unit 10. And an evaluation value calculation unit 26 for calculating a value.
The evaluation value calculation unit 26 acquires the evaluation reference information corresponding to the presentation priority condition input by the presentation priority condition input unit 24 from the evaluation reference information storage unit 22, and for each print setting information in the print setting information storage unit 10, An evaluation value is calculated based on the acquired evaluation reference information and the print setting information.
The grouping unit 14 groups the print setting information so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation value calculated by the evaluation value calculating unit 26.

Next, the data structure of the storage device 62 will be described.
The storage device 62 is further configured as the evaluation criterion information storage unit 22 and stores an evaluation criterion information table 420 in which the evaluation criterion information is registered.
FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the evaluation criterion information table 420 in which evaluation coefficients for the print item conditions are registered.

In the evaluation criterion information table 420, as shown in FIG. 12, one record is registered for each condition of the print item. Each record includes fields for registering print item conditions (item conditions) and evaluation coefficients.
The evaluation criterion information table 420 is stored in the storage device 62 for each presentation priority condition, and the correspondence between the presentation priority condition and the evaluation criterion information table 420 can be specified by a correspondence table or the like.

Next, processing executed by the server 100 will be described.
The CPU 50 executes the print setting information providing process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13 instead of the print setting information providing process of FIG.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing print setting information provision processing.
The print setting information providing process is different from the print setting information providing process of FIG. 4 in that the processes of steps S112 to S118 are added, and only this point will be described.

When the print setting information providing process is executed by the CPU 50, the process proceeds to step S112 through steps S100 and S102 as shown in FIG.
In step S112, it is determined whether or not the presentation priority condition is received. When it is determined that the presentation priority condition is received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S114, and the evaluation criterion information corresponding to the received presentation priority condition is determined. The table 420 is read from the storage device 62, and the process proceeds to step S116.

  In step S116, an evaluation value corresponding to the received presentation priority condition is calculated based on the evaluation criterion information table 420 and the print setting information table 400. Specifically, the evaluation criterion information table 420 corresponding to the received presentation priority condition is read from the storage device 62, and each item of the print setting information in the print setting information table 400 corresponds to the item condition of the read evaluation criterion information table 420. If there is a print item to be determined, and it is determined that there is a corresponding print item, the evaluation value of the print setting information is calculated by adding an evaluation coefficient corresponding to the same item condition in the evaluation reference information table 420 To do. In the example of FIGS. 3 and 12, in the evaluation criterion information table 420 of FIG. 12, “double-sided printing”, “use of backing paper”, “two or more pages” and “toner save” are set as item conditions. Yes. The print setting information 0 (hereinafter referred to as print setting information of the print setting ID “0”, hereinafter abbreviated in the same manner) has settings for duplex printing, imposition, use of backing paper, and toner save. Since there is no setting, only “1” corresponding to the item condition “duplex printing” is added, and “1” which is the addition result is calculated as an evaluation value. In the same manner, the evaluation value of the print setting information 1, 4, 5 is “2”, the evaluation value of the print setting information 3 is “1”, and the evaluation value of the print setting information 2 is “0”.

Next, the process proceeds to step S118, the same grouping process as in step S104 is performed, and the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation value, and the process proceeds to step S106.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S112 that the presentation priority condition is not received (No), the process proceeds to step S104.

Next, processing executed by the host terminal 200 will be described.
The CPU 70 executes the print request process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14 instead of the print request process of FIG.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the print request process.
The print request process is different from the print request process of FIG. 6 in that the processes of steps S226 and S228 are added, and only this point will be described.

When the print request process is executed in the CPU 70, the process proceeds to step S226 through steps S200 to S208 as shown in FIG.
In step S226, it is determined whether or not the presentation priority condition has been input from the input device 80. If it is determined that the presentation priority condition has been input (Yes), the process proceeds to step S228, and the input presentation priority condition is set to the server. 100, and the process proceeds to step S210.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
First, a case where print setting information is grouped for each user will be described.
The user requests printing at the host terminal 200.
The user clicks the “by user” button on the grouping category input screen, selects the user category, and inputs the environment priority condition as the presentation priority condition, for example.
In the host terminal 200, when the user classification and the environment priority condition are input, the provision request and the input user classification and the environment priority condition are transmitted to the server 100 through steps S206, S208, and S228.

  Upon receiving the provision request, the server 100 receives the user classification and the environment priority condition through steps S102 and S112 to S116, and calculates an evaluation value corresponding to the environment priority condition for each print setting information. Then, through steps S118 and S106, the print setting information is grouped for each user, and the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of evaluation value. A list of setting information is transmitted to the host terminal 200.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a list of print setting information grouped for each user.
Upon receiving the list of print setting information, the host terminal 200 displays a list screen for presenting the received list of print setting information through step S212 as shown in FIG. In the list screen of FIG. 15, print setting information is grouped for each user, and a hierarchy of “environment” is formed. When “Environment” is selected, the environmental load of the print setting information of the printer B set by the user 1 is the lowest, and is displayed at the top in the lower hierarchy. Subsequently, since the environmental load of the print setting information of the printer A set by the user 3 and the environmental load of the print setting information of the printer B set by the user 3 are low in that order, they are displayed second and third. The user can search for desired print setting information for the purpose of giving priority to the user and the environment by tracing the tree of the list screen in this manner. When the desired print setting information is found, the print setting information is finally selected.

Next, a case where print setting information is grouped for each printer 300 will be described.
The user clicks the “by printer” button on the grouping category input screen, selects the category of the printer 300, and inputs the environment priority condition.
FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a list of print setting information grouped for each printer 300.

  When the classification of the printer 300 and the environment priority condition are input, the server 100 groups the print setting information for each printer 300 and presents the print setting information in descending order of the environmental load evaluation value. Print setting information is grouped. Then, on the host terminal 200, as shown in FIG. 16, a list screen showing a list of print setting information grouped for each printer 300 is displayed. In the list screen of FIG. 16, the print setting information of the printer B set by the users 1 and 3 is displayed in the order of “environment” under the “printer B” hierarchy. As in the case of FIG. 15, these are displayed higher as the evaluation value is higher. However, a difference from the case of FIG. 15 is that the hierarchy of “environment” is not formed separately, but the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of evaluation value within the same group. Is different.

Next, a case where print setting information is grouped for each print item will be described.
The user clicks the “by print item” button on the grouping category input screen, selects a category of print items, and inputs an environment priority condition.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a list of print setting information grouped for each print item.
When the print item classification and the environment priority condition are input, the server 100 groups the print setting information for each print item and presents the print setting information in descending order of the environmental load evaluation value. Print setting information is grouped. Then, on the host terminal 200, as shown in FIG. 17, a list screen showing a list of print setting information grouped for each print item is displayed. In the list screen of FIG. 17, print setting information related to the paper size A3 set by the users 1 and 3 is displayed in the order of “environment” under the “paper size A3” hierarchy. As in the case of FIG. 15, these are displayed higher as the evaluation value is higher.

  In addition, when the clean priority condition is input as the presentation priority condition, the cost priority condition is input as the presentation priority condition in the descending order of the evaluation value regarding the goodness of the printed result (that is, in the order of fine finish). If the speed priority condition is input as the presentation priority condition in the descending order of the evaluation value related to the printing cost (ie, the cost is low), the evaluation value related to the printing speed is high (ie the printing speed is fast). The print setting information is presented in order). In addition, presentation priority conditions can be set according to other purposes. In this case, print setting information is presented in descending order of evaluation values according to the purpose.

In this way, in the present embodiment, the presentation priority condition is input, the evaluation criterion information table 420 corresponding to the input presentation priority condition is read, and based on the read evaluation criterion information table 420 and print setting information table 400. The evaluation value is calculated for each print setting information, and the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the calculated evaluation value.
Thus, when the presentation priority condition is input, the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation value according to the presentation priority condition, so that necessary print setting information can be found more easily.

In the second embodiment, the evaluation criterion information storage unit 22 and the storage device 62 correspond to the evaluation criterion information storage unit of the third, ninth, or fifteenth aspect, and the presentation priority condition input unit 24 and step S112 are the second type. Or it corresponds to the presentation priority condition input means of 3, and step S112 corresponds to the presentation priority condition input step of form 8, 9, 14 or 15. The evaluation value calculation unit 26 and steps S114 and S116 correspond to the evaluation means of form 2 or 3, and steps S114 and S116 correspond to the evaluation step of form 8, 9, 14 or 15, and the grouping unit 14 And step S118 corresponds to the grouping means of form 2 or 3.
In the second embodiment, step S118 corresponds to the grouping step of the eighth, ninth, fourteenth or fifteenth aspect.

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 18 to 23 are diagrams showing a third embodiment of the print setting information providing system according to the present invention.
In the present embodiment, in contrast to the first and second embodiments, an evaluation value corresponding to the presentation priority condition is stored in advance in association with print setting information, and based on an evaluation value for a user's print result. The point that the evaluation value is updated is different. Hereinafter, only the parts different from the first and second embodiments will be described, and the same parts as those in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

First, an outline of functions of a network system to which the present invention is applied will be described.
FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram showing an outline of functions of the network system.
As shown in FIG. 18, the host terminal 200 includes a print setting information storage unit 10, a classification input unit 12, a grouping unit 14, a list presentation unit 16, a print setting information selection unit 18, and a print setting information providing unit 2.
0 and the presentation priority condition input unit 24, the evaluation value input unit 28 for inputting an evaluation value for the print result, and the presentation input by the presentation priority condition input unit 24 based on the evaluation value input by the evaluation value input unit 28 And an evaluation value update unit 30 that updates the evaluation value of the print setting information storage unit 10 corresponding to the priority condition.

The print setting information storage unit 10 stores the print setting information in association with the evaluation value corresponding to the presentation priority condition.
The grouping unit 14 acquires an evaluation value corresponding to the presentation priority condition input by the presentation priority condition input unit 24 from the print setting information storage unit 10 so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the acquired evaluation value. Group print setting information.

Next, the data structure of the print setting information table 400 will be described.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of the print setting information table 400.
In the print setting information table 400, as shown in FIG. 19, one record is registered for each print setting information. Each record includes fields for registering a print setting ID, user ID, printer ID, paper size, duplex printing, imposition, supply device, and other print settings and evaluation values.

  In the example of FIG. 19, a higher evaluation value is set for print setting information having a higher print speed per page. The figure shows an example in which only the evaluation value related to the printing speed is registered. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Assume that an evaluation value is registered according to the purpose.

Next, processing executed by the server 100 will be described.
The CPU 50 executes the print setting information providing process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20 instead of the print setting information providing process of FIG.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing print setting information provision processing.
The print setting information providing process is different from the print setting information providing process of FIG. 4 in that the processes of steps S112 and S120 to S126 are added, and only this point will be described.

When the print setting information providing process is executed by the CPU 50, the process proceeds to step S112 through steps S100 and S102 as shown in FIG.
In step S112, it is determined whether or not the presentation priority condition is received. When it is determined that the presentation priority condition is received (Yes), the process proceeds to step S120, and the evaluation value corresponding to the received presentation priority condition is set. Obtained from the print setting information table 400, the process proceeds to step S120.

In step S120, the same grouping process as in step S104 is performed, and the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the acquired evaluation value, and the process proceeds to step S106.
Next, the process proceeds to step S124 through steps S106 to S110, and it is determined whether or not an evaluation value for the print result has been received. If it is determined that the evaluation value for the print result has been received (Yes), step S126 is performed. Migrate to

In step S126, based on the received evaluation value, the evaluation value of the print setting information table 400 corresponding to the received presentation priority condition is updated, and a series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored. This update is performed, for example, by calculating the average value of the received evaluation value and the evaluation value of the print setting information table 400 and registering the calculated average value as a new evaluation value.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S124 that the evaluation value for the print result is not received (No), the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S112 that the presentation priority condition is not received (No), the process proceeds to step S104.

Next, processing executed by the host terminal 200 will be described.
The CPU 70 executes the print request process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21 instead of the print request process of FIG.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing print request processing.
The print request process is different from the print request process of FIG. 21 in that the processes of steps S230 and S232 are added, and only this point will be described.
When the print request process is executed in the CPU 70, as shown in FIG. 21, the process proceeds to step S230 through steps S200 to S224.

In step S230, after printing is completed, it is determined whether an evaluation value for the print result is input from the input device 80, and when it is determined that an evaluation value for the print result is input (Yes).
Shifts to step S232, transmits the input evaluation value to the server 100, ends a series of processes, and returns to the original process.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S230 that the evaluation value for the print result is not input (No), the series of processes is terminated and the original process is restored.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
Since the operation of the present embodiment is almost the same as that of the second embodiment, only the case where the print setting information is grouped for each user will be described, and the description will be omitted for other cases.
The user requests printing at the host terminal 200.
The user clicks the “by user” button on the grouping category input screen to select the user category, and, for example, inputs a speed priority condition as a presentation priority condition.

In the host terminal 200, when the user classification and the speed priority condition are input, the provision request and the input user classification and the speed priority condition are transmitted to the server 100 through steps S206, S208, and S228.
Upon receiving the provision request, the server 100 receives the user classification and the speed priority condition through steps S102, S112, and S120, and obtains an evaluation value corresponding to the speed priority condition. Through steps S122 and S106, the print setting information is grouped for each user, and the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the acquired evaluation value. A list of the printed setting information is transmitted to the host terminal 200.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a list of print setting information grouped for each user.
In the host terminal 200, when a list of print setting information is received, a list screen for presenting the received list of print setting information is displayed through step S212 as shown in FIG. In the list screen of FIG. 22, print setting information is grouped for each user, and a hierarchy of “printing speed” is formed. When “printing speed” is selected, the printing speed of the print setting information of the printer B set by the user 1 is the fastest, and is displayed at the top in the lower hierarchy. Subsequently, since the print speed of the print setting information of the printer B set by the user 2 and the print speed of the print setting information of the printer B set by the user 3 are fast in that order, they are displayed second and third. Thus, the user can search for desired print setting information for the purpose of giving priority to the user and speed by following the tree of the list screen hierarchically. When the desired print setting information is found, the print setting information is finally selected.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an evaluation value input screen.
When printing is completed, the host terminal 200 displays an evaluation value input screen for inputting an evaluation value for the print result, as shown in FIG. Here, when the user selects an evaluation value for the print result from, for example, five levels of evaluation, the input evaluation value is transmitted to the server 100 through step S232.

When the server 100 receives the evaluation value for the print result, the evaluation value corresponding to the speed priority condition is updated based on the received evaluation value through step S126.
Thus, in this embodiment, the presentation priority condition is input, the evaluation value corresponding to the input presentation priority condition is acquired from the print setting information table 400, and the print setting information is presented in descending order of the acquired evaluation value. Group print setting information.

Thus, when the presentation priority condition is input, the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation value according to the presentation priority condition, so that necessary print setting information can be found more easily.
Furthermore, in this embodiment, an evaluation value for the print result is input, and the evaluation value of the print setting information table 400 corresponding to the presentation priority condition is updated based on the input evaluation value.

Thereby, since the evaluation value is updated based on the evaluation value for the print result, it is possible to obtain the evaluation result according to the user's actual situation.
In the third embodiment, the grouping unit 14 and step S122 correspond to the grouping means of mode 4, the step S122 corresponds to the grouping step of mode 10 or 16, and the evaluation value input unit 28 and Step S124 corresponds to the evaluation value input means of mode 5. Step S124 corresponds to the evaluation value input step of form 11 or 17, evaluation value update unit 30 and step S126 correspond to the evaluation value update means of form 5, and step S126 corresponds to evaluation of form 11 or 17. Corresponds to the value update step.

  In the first to third embodiments, the print data is generated based on the received print setting information and the document data. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and based on the received print setting information. It is also possible to generate the job ticket, acquire the print data, and transmit the acquired print data and the generated job ticket to the printer 300.

  In the second and third embodiments, the presentation priority condition is input, and the print setting information is grouped so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation value according to the presentation priority condition. However, in this configuration, a plurality of presentation priority conditions may be input. In this case, for example, the print setting information is calculated so that the comprehensive evaluation value is calculated by addition, weighting calculation, or the like based on the evaluation value calculated or acquired for each presentation priority condition, and the print setting information is presented in descending order of the comprehensive evaluation value. Group.

  In the first to third embodiments, the user, the printer 300, and the print item classification are input. When the user or the printer 300 classification is input, the print item is set for each target content. Although the print setting information is grouped for each print item when the classification is input, the print setting information is grouped by the classification of the host terminal instead of the user classification or together with the user classification. It can also be configured as follows.

  In the first to third embodiments, the server 100, the host terminal 200, and the host terminal 200 are configured separately. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a stand-alone printer that integrates these functions is used. It can also be configured to perform direct printing. The server 100 and the host terminal 200 may be integrated, the server 100 and the printer 300 may be integrated, and the host terminal 200 and the printer 300 may be integrated.

In the first to third embodiments, FIGS. 4, 6, 13, 14, and 2 are used.
In the case of executing the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 0 and FIG. 21, the case where the control program stored in the ROMs 52 and 72 is executed in advance has been described. The program may be read from the stored storage medium into the RAM 54 or 74 and executed.

  Here, the storage medium is a semiconductor storage medium such as RAM or ROM, a magnetic storage type storage medium such as FD or HD, an optical reading type storage medium such as CD, CDV, LD, or DVD, or a magnetic storage type such as MO. / Optical reading type storage media, including any storage media that can be read by a computer regardless of electronic, magnetic, optical, or other reading methods.

It is a functional block diagram which shows the function outline | summary of a network system. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a server 100. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a print setting information table 400. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print setting information provision processing. 2 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a host terminal 200. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print request processing. It is a figure which shows a grouping division input screen. It is a figure which shows the list of the print setting information grouped for every user. 3 is a diagram illustrating a list of print setting information grouped for each printer 300. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a list of print setting information grouped for each print item. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function outline | summary of a network system. It is a figure which shows the data structure of the evaluation reference | standard information table 420 which registered the evaluation coefficient with respect to the conditions of a printing item. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print setting information provision processing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print request processing. It is a figure which shows the list of the print setting information grouped for every user. 3 is a diagram illustrating a list of print setting information grouped for each printer 300. FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a list of print setting information grouped for each print item. It is a functional block diagram which shows the function outline | summary of a network system. 6 is a diagram illustrating a data structure of a print setting information table 400. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print setting information provision processing. 6 is a flowchart illustrating print request processing. It is a figure which shows the list of the print setting information grouped for every user. It is a figure which shows an evaluation value input screen.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Server, 10 ... Print setting information storage part, 12 ... Classification input part, 14 ... Grouping part, 16 ... List presentation part, 18 ... Print setting information selection part, 20 ... Print setting information provision part, 22 ... Evaluation criteria Information storage unit, 24 ... presentation priority condition input unit, 26 ... evaluation value calculation unit,
28 ... Evaluation value input unit, 30 ... Evaluation value update unit, 200 ... Host terminal, 300 ... Printer, 50, 70 ... CPU, 52, 72 ... ROM, 54, 74 ... RAM, 58, 78 ... I / F, 59 79 ... Bus 60, 80 ... Input device 62,82 ... Storage device 64,84 ... Display device 400 ... Print setting information table 420 ... Evaluation criteria information table

Claims (8)

A print setting information providing system that provides print setting information including print settings of any one of a plurality of print items,
Print setting information storage means for storing the print setting information in association with the first target information related to the first target and the second target information related to the second target, and classification of the first target, the second target, and the print item And when the classification input means inputs the classification of the first target or the second target, the classification input means inputs the classification of the print item for each content of the target. Grouping means for grouping the print setting information in the print setting information storage means for each print item, list presenting means for presenting a list of print setting information grouped by the grouping means, Print setting information selection means for inputting one of selections from the list presented by the list presentation means, and print setting information selected by the print setting information selection means are provided. Print setting information providing system characterized in that it comprises a print setting information providing means for. In claim 1,
Further, presentation priority condition input means for inputting the presentation priority condition of the print setting information, and evaluation according to the presentation priority condition input by the presentation priority condition input means for each print setting information of the print setting information storage means And an evaluation means for performing
The print setting information providing system, wherein the grouping means groups the print setting information so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation result of the evaluation means. In claim 2,
Furthermore, the apparatus includes an evaluation standard information storage unit that stores evaluation standard information indicating an evaluation standard of the print setting information in association with the presentation priority condition,
The evaluation unit acquires the evaluation criterion information corresponding to the presentation priority condition input by the presentation priority condition input unit from the evaluation criterion information storage unit, and acquires for each print setting information of the print setting information storage unit And calculating the evaluation value based on the evaluation standard information and the print setting information,
The print setting information providing system, wherein the grouping unit groups the print setting information so that the print setting information is presented in descending order of the evaluation value calculated by the evaluation unit. In claim 1,
Furthermore, a presentation priority condition input means for inputting a presentation priority condition of the print setting information is provided,
The print setting information storage means further stores the print setting information in association with an evaluation value according to the presentation priority condition,
The grouping unit acquires the evaluation value corresponding to the presentation priority condition input by the presentation priority condition input unit from the print setting information storage unit, and the print setting information is presented in descending order of the acquired evaluation value. As described above, a print setting information providing system that groups the print setting information as described above. In claim 4,
Further, evaluation value input means for inputting an evaluation value for the print result, and the print setting information storage corresponding to the presentation priority condition input by the presentation priority condition input means based on the evaluation value input by the evaluation value input means An evaluation value updating means for updating the evaluation value of the means. A print setting information providing system comprising: In any one of Claims 1 thru | or 5,
The print setting information providing system, wherein the first target is a user or a host terminal, and the second target is a printing apparatus. A print setting information providing program that provides print setting information including print settings of any one of a plurality of print items,
A classification input step for inputting the classification of the first object, the second object, and the print item, and when the classification of the first object or the second object is input in the classification input step, for each content of the object, When the category of the print item is input in the category input step, the print setting information is associated with the first target information regarding the first target and the second target information regarding the second target for each print item. A grouping step for grouping print setting information in the print setting information storage means for storing, a list presenting step for presenting a list of print setting information grouped in the grouping step, and a list presented in the list presenting step A print setting information selection step for inputting any of the selections made from the above, and the print setting selected in the print setting information selection step Print setting information providing program characterized by including a program for executing a process comprising a print setting information providing step of providing a multi-address to the computer. A print setting information providing method for providing print setting information including print settings of any one of a plurality of print items,
A classification input step for inputting the classification of the first object, the second object, and the print item, and when the classification of the first object or the second object is input in the classification input step, for each content of the object, When the category of the print item is input in the category input step, the print setting information is associated with the first target information regarding the first target and the second target information regarding the second target for each print item. A grouping step for grouping print setting information in the print setting information storage means for storing, a list presenting step for presenting a list of print setting information grouped in the grouping step, and a list presented in the list presenting step A print setting information selection step for inputting any of the selections made from the above, and the print setting selected in the print setting information selection step Print setting information providing method characterized by including the print setting information providing step of providing a broadcast.

Images